How to grow and care Wedelia Plant (Wedelia plant uses, varieties, propagation, benefits, and more)

Wedelia Chinensis is a type of flowering plant commonly called the yellow-dot plant that has gained popularity for its many medicinal benefits. Wedelia plant uses are not limited to keeping it outdoors. Still, its leaves are used to treat cancer, snakebite, wounds, varicose, sore throat, ulcers, fever, headache, hepatitis, kidney dysfunction, indigestion, and cold. Native to Central and South America, it is usually available in pastures and meadows. This perennial plant spreads and grows rapidly, which makes it quite invasive. If you are unaware of the wedelia health benefits and looking for how to grow and care for a wedelia plant, then this guide is for you.

Quick Details of Wedelia Plant

Other Common Names	Mini marguerite, Paludosum daisy, Creeping Daisy
Type	Evergreen plant/ a perennial creeping plant
Maintenance	Low maintenance
Flowering	Spring-summer duration ( best growing early spring)
Light	Full sun exposure, Filtered Shade,  Part sun, Morning sun
Water	Water every 2 to 3 days
Temperature	25-35°C
Soil	Well-drained and any type of soil
Fertilizer	inorganic-N fertilizer
Habitat	Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean
Toxicity	Non-toxic
Common Diseases	Bacterial Fasciation, pests, leaves turning yellow, etc.
Scientific Name	Sphagneticola trilobata (Yellow Dot Plant Ground Cover)

Wedelia Plant Buying Instructions

• If you want to give your lawn a tropical touch, the best thing to do is to grow Wedelia instead of buying it.
• If you know how to manage the wedelia plant, you will be able to get wedelia health benefits.

Overview of Wedelia Plant

Sometimes known as Singapore oxeye, Bay Biscayne creeping-daisy, the Wedelia plant is a soft, subtle-stemmed vine that runs alongside other overgrowths or trees in open yards. Sunlight is essential for the plant to grow rapidly and thrive well. 

The plant has fleshy, tiny green leaves that are arrow-shaped and usually soft to the touch. The yellow flowers make this plant bright and fresh, with 9 to 10 petals, similar to daisies. This is why they are called creeping daisies and often yellow daisies.

What sets the Wedelia plant apart is its thick ground cover, which makes it one of the most attractive flowering plants that thrive outdoors. Thrives well in both whole light and full shade, however, the bright sun produces the most stunning blooms. Plus, it can tolerate a wide variety of pH levels and blooms in nearly every type of soil. In addition to being yellow and bright like daises, the plant has countless paramedical benefits. In upcoming sections, you will learn about wedelia plant uses and its medicinal uses.

Varieties of Wedelia Plant

Various variations used to be considered part of the Wedelia plant but have now been moved to other genera, including Chrysogonum, Elaphandra, Melampodium, Tuberculocarpus, Zeuxmania, Kingianthus, etc.

Wedelia plant uses, benefits, and advantages

Wedelia plant is an effective herbal medicine that can be used to treat coughs, skin issues, hair loss, headaches, blood loss, nervous system strengthening, and digestive system issues. In contrast, its leaves help promote hair growth and dying grey hair. For wedelia medicinal uses and other health benefits, check out the below information.

1. Wedelia medicinal uses

The Wedelia plant has a great name in traditional and proven Chinese medicine and has substantial medicinal uses. It also gained popularity in Central America, Brazil, and Western traditional medicine systems. Wedelia extracts are exceptionally helpful in treating various diseases and ailments. 

Various researchers have said it is a wonderful herb to help with some cancers. When plant extracts are combined together using other ingredients and used as medicines, they can be consumed to aid with a number of health problems. However, it is not directly edible, so manufacturers process them to turn them into escaping drugs.

2. Wedelia cosmetically uses

Wedelia plant uses include cosmetically usage too. The leaves of the plant can be used to promote hair growth, dye grey hair, and get rid of lice. This may be helpful due to the juice of the Wedelia plant prepared using inorganic salts, waxy substances, an oil-soluble black pigment, tannins, siliceous minerals, carotenes, resins, and other antimicrobial substances.

3. Wedelia ornamental uses

Wedelia has been planted and flourished for its ornamental purpose, transforming your dull corner into an attractive space with a touch of colour. They are grown in vacant lots and lawns to make the plants more attractive. Perhaps, many homeowners are now using these flowers to make the garden complete instead of placing artificial grass or fake grass.

Wedelia health benefits

Some of the notable health benefits of the wedelia plant are as follows:-

• The oil derived from wedelia can be helpful in preventing and treating the development of cancer. Since it contains antioxidant properties, it helps restrict the formation of certain cancers.
• The availability of ethanolic extracts in Wedelia is said to be great for aiding wounds. It is found in multiple creams and ointments, which are applied on bruises and wounds to treat them faster.
• It is anti-hepatotoxic in nature that can be helpful in the prevention and treatment of diseases and liver damage.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant help cure bloating and infections.

Wedelia plant growing and caring tips

Wedelia plant or Sphagneticola trilbata is really easy to thrive and maintain. Even the harshest weather can’t stop them from growing, which makes sense because the plant can withstand extreme climates. If you are a beginner and wish to benefit from wedelia plant uses, ensure your plant gets enough water and plenty of sunlight.

1. Soil

Surprisingly, any soil with a range of pH levels is suitable for the Wedelia plant to survive. Since they require less maintenance, you do not need to pay much attention to your plant. The perfect soil for the plant would be any regular soil mixed with a bit of organic compost. Note that they can tolerate drought, so even hard soil won’t be a problem. If you want your plant to thrive, it is recommended to add organic fertilizers once every six months during the flowering journey.

2. Temperature

For a Wedelia plant, the perfect place to grow is partial shade to full sun. Make sure that the plant is in a shaded place during summer when the temperature is above 45°C. It should be kept in direct sunlight during the winter season.

3. Watering

Regular watering is recommended in summer. If you notice that the top of the soil is starting to get a little dry, water it. In winter, it should be watered once in two days. Always keep the soil lightly moist, but avoid over-watering as this can cause leaf drops or brown spots. If we talk about the right time to water, give water in the late evening or early morning when the temperature is cool.

4. Light

Since wedelia is strictly an outdoor plant and thrives in direct exposure to the sun, keep it under full shade. In full sun, however, the plant grows relatively quickly and blooms profusely. When grown in the lawn, make sure it gets at least 4 to 5 hours/day of sunlight.

5. Fertilizer

Mix slow-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer once in 15 days when caring for wedelia. The right time to apply fertilizer is the morning time as that time the temperature is relatively low.

Other caring tips

Plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. If plants need to regenerate, it perfectly withstands rigorous mowing, even periodic mowing on high setting. And it also forms a dense mat of leaves that rarely needs pruning to manage its height.

Pests and other problems for the Wedelia plant

Even though wedelia plant uses are countless, some problems do arise when it comes to propagation. Some of them include the following:

1. Bacterial attraction

Wedelia is highly prone to bacterial attraction, which can result in a number of malformations. It is transferred through debris and water from the plant, particularly damaging vulnerable crowns and lower stems.

2. Leaves turning yellow

The major cause of this problem is when plants have too much water content. The reason could be either planting on a wet waterlogged surface or overwatering issues.

3. Pests problem

A variety of mites, chewing insects, and leafhoppers can target your wedelia. In case of heavy infestation by insects, it is often treated with chemical pest treatments and damage by insects.

Wedelia Plant propagation

If you don’t want to propagate wedelia via seeds, you may use the root balls method. Invest in a plant that is fully potted and can be moved from a pot to your lawn in early spring. Follow the steps to know how to propagate wedelia:

Step 1 Dig the cuttings in healthy soil:- The soil you use must contain important nutrients for the plant to thrive. If there is a deficiency of nutrients, add nutrient-rich manure to it. In addition, you can apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture in the soil.

Step 2 Make space for a plant in your lawn:- Dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant’s original pot. Place the plant in the hole so that the top layer of soil and root ball is at the same level.

Step 3 do not forget to keep the plant at a distance of one foot:- Enough space is required if you wish to plant grow quickly. Doing so will help the root balls to thrive.

Step 4 Water the plant’s base:- Remember to water the base of the plant at least once a week. Since wedelias do not thrive in wet soil, ensure the soil is thoroughly dry before you water them again.

Frequently Asked Questions